When you require supplemental oxygen daily, your everyday life changes drastically. During such times, a portable oxygen concentrator can act as your greatest ally. This lightweight and easily portable device helps you go about your daily activities without any hassle so that you no longer have to give up the freedom of your everyday life.
Continue reading to discover the best portable oxygen concentrators of 2024 and how to choose the right one for you.
If you’re looking for a portable oxygen concentrator (POC) that can provide you with reliable and convenient oxygen therapy, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options available at oxygen concentrator stores.
Some of these portable oxygen machines have different features, specifications and prices that might suit your needs better than others. Here are our top picks for the year 2024:
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo is one of the most powerful and versatile portable oxygen equipment on the market. It offers both continuous flow and pulse dose settings, which means that it can deliver oxygen at a constant rate, or only when you are breathing in.
This device has a maximum oxygen output of 2 liters per minute (LPM) in the continuous flow mode and 6 LPM in the pulse dose mode. It also has a sleep mode that adjusts the pulse dose sensitivity to ensure adequate oxygen delivery while you’re asleep.
The SimplyGo weighs 10 lbs and has a battery life of three and a half hours in continuous flow mode and up to seven hours in pulse dose mode. It features a user-friendly LCD screen that displays the battery level, oxygen flow settings and error messages. This POC is FAA-approved for air travel.
This POC is a great option for frequent travelers, people who lead an active lifestyle, and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo is one of the most powerful and versatile portable oxygen equipment on the market. It offers both continuous flow and pulse dose settings, which means that it can deliver oxygen at a constant rate, or only when you are breathing in.
Included in bundle:
- - SimplyGo POC
- - Carrying case with shoulder strap
- - User manual
- - Rechargeable battery
- - AC power supply and cord
- - DC power supply
- - Accessory bag.
Inogen One G5 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Bundle
The Inogen One G5 is considered one of the most advanced and compact POCs currently available. It uses intelligent delivery technology that automatically adjusts the oxygen flow based on your breathing rate and altitude.
It has a maximum oxygen output of 6 LPM in pulse dose mode. It also has a low noise level of 38 decibels (dB), making it one of the quietest devices you’ll have.
This POC only weighs 4.7 lbs and it has a long battery life that can go up to 13 hours with the double battery option, and up to six and a half hours with the single battery option. It comes with a 3-year warranty from the manufacturer.
The Inogen One G5 is also FAA-approved for air travel, while being one of the lightest, most comfortable and discreet oxygen devices on the market.
Included in bundle:
- - Inogen One G5 POC
- - Custom carry bag with an adjustable shoulder strap
- - Rechargeable single or double battery
- - Universal AC power supply
- - DC power cord
- - Nasal cannula.
Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini Portable Oxygen Concentrator Bundle
The Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini is one of the most lightweight options on the market. This model only offers the pulse dose mode, and it has a maximum oxygen output of 5 LPM. It comes with five flow settings that you can adjust according to your needs.
This model only weighs 5 lbs and its battery life can be up to nine hours with the extended battery option or up to four and a half hours with the standard battery option. It has a touchscreen interface that displays the battery level, oxygen flow settings and error messages. It’s FAA-approved for air travel.
The SimplyGo Mini is great for people who have moderate oxygen needs, and whose top priority is portability. This model can deliver oxygen effectively and reliably without adding much weight or bulk to your luggage.
Included in bundle:
- - SimplyGo Mini POC
- - Carrying Case
- - Rechargeable battery
- - DC power cord
- - AC power cord
- - Accessory bag
- - 10 Nasal cannulas
- - Additional batteries.
Drive Devilbiss iGo2 Portable Oxygen Concentrator
The Drive Devilbiss iGo2 is a compact and versatile POC that offers five pulse dose oxygen delivery settings. It features a smart oxygen delivery system, the SmartDose Auto-Adjusting Conserver Technology, that automatically adjusts the oxygen output according to your breathing pattern and activity level. It also has a large LCD screen that displays battery status, oxygen flow rate and alarm indicators.
The iGo2 only weighs 5.9 lbs and it comes with a carrying case, a car charger and an AC adapter. It can run for up to four and a half hours on a single full charge, and it can be used with most CPAP and BiPAP machines, by connecting the PAP machine’s tubing to the POC when needed. This oxygen delivery device is also FAA-approved.
Its rugged design and exterior outermold of the concentrator ensures the safety of your oxygen flow with a protective outer layer that serves as a shield for all those bumps and drops that can happen.
Included in bundle
- - Drive DevilBiss iGo2 POC
- - Single battery pack
- - Carrying case
- - Power supply (AC/DC adapter)
- - AC power cord
- - DC power cord.
Inogen One G4 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Bundle
The Inogen One G4 is one of the quietest and lightest POCs you can buy. It delivers pulse dose oxygen therapy with up to three settings, and it has a simple one-button operation. It can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth through its app to let you know the device’s performance, battery life and oxygen purity.
Weighing less than 3 lbs, this POC is an excellent alternative to heavy oxygen tanks for people who need supplemental oxygen on the go. Its system has an unparalleled sensitivity to quickly detect a breath and deliver oxygen within the fist 400 milliseconds of your inspiration.
The G4’s battery life with a single battery is 2.7 hours, and it increases to five hours with a double battery. The batteries will charge automatically while inside the device when it’s connected to a power supply, or using the external battery charger. This POC is also quiet like a whisper, since its sound levels are under 40 dBa.
Included in bundle
- - Inogen One G4 POC
- - Single or double rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- - AC power supply
- - DC power cord
- - External battery charger
- - Carry bag with a strap
- - Nasal cannula.
Inogen One™ G3 Portable Oxygen Concentrator Bundle (Pulse Dose)
The Inogen One G3 is a lightweight, portable and reliable companion for every oxygen user. This POC has five pulse flow settings, and its intelligent oxygen delivery system ensures consistent oxygen supply regardless of your breathing rate or the altitude.
The G3 only weighs 4.8 lbs and its rechargeable lithium-ion battery can last up to 13 hours, depending on the settings and whether you’re using a 8-cell or 16-cell battery. This POC is FAA-approved, so you won’t have to worry about missing your oxygen supply while traveling.
Included in bundle
- - Inogen One G3 POC
- - Single or double rechargeable lithium-ion batteries
- - AC power supply
- - DC power cord
- - External battery charger
- - Carry bag
- - Nasal cannula.
Comparison Table for Top Oxygen Concentrators
| POC | Flow Rate | Battery Life | Oxygen Delivery Method | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo | 2 to 5 LPM | 3.4 hours | Continuous and Pulse Flow | 11.5’’ x 10’’ x 6’’ |
| Inogen One G5 | Pulse Settings: 1 to 6 | 6.5 hours | Pulse Flow | 7.19’’ x 3.26’’ x 8.15’’ |
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini | Pulse Settings: 1 to 5 | 9 hours | Pulse Flow | 9.4’’ x 8.3’’ x 3.6’’ |
| Drive DevilBiss iGo2 | Pulse Settings: 1 to 5 | 3.5 hours at setting 2 | Pulse Flow | 8.4’’ x 3.5’’ x 8.6’’ |
| Inogen One G4 | Pulse Settings: 1 to 3 | Setting 1: 2.7 hours Setting 3: 1.3 hours | Pulse Flow | 2.75’’ x 6’’ x 7.2’’ |
| Inogen One G3 | Pulse Settings: 1 to 5 | Setting 1: 4.5 hours Setting 5: 1.7 hours | Pulse Flow | 3’’ x 8.75’’ x 8.25’’ |
| POC | Weight | Oxygen Purity | Noise Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo | 10 lbs with battery | 87 to 96% at all settings | ≤ 42 dBa |
| Inogen One G5 | 4.5 lbs | 87 to 96% at all settings | 39 dBa at setting 2 |
| Philips Respironics SimplyGo Mini | 5 lbs with a standard battery | 87 to 96% at all settings | 43 dBa at setting 2 46 dBa at setting 5 |
| Drive DevilBiss iGo2 | 3.3 lbs | 87 to 96% at all settings | 37 dBa |
| Inogen One G4 | 2.8 lbs with a single battery | 87 to 96% at all settings | ≤ 40 dBa |
| Inogen One G3 | 4.8 lbs with a single battery | 87 to 96% at all settings | ≤ 39 dBa |
Remember that at Sleeplay not only we offer the best POCs on the market, but we also offer all the accessories you need for your supplemental oxygen therapy. We also offer a 30-night risk-free trial on all our oxygen masks!
What Is a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
A portable oxygen concentrator (POC) is a medical device that helps to improve blood oxygen levels. You can either plug them into an electrical outlet or power them with a battery.
POCs receive air, purify it and then deliver it to your respiratory system. Air is mostly made up of nitrogen and a small amount of oxygen (21%) before it goes into the concentrator, and after going through the concentrator, its oxygen concentration increases drastically.
This medical device is usually prescribed by healthcare providers to individuals with chronic and acute lung conditions that cause blood oxygen levels to drop too low. Some of these conditions are:
- - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- - Severe asthma
- - Lung cancer
- - COVID-19 infection and long COVID.
How Portable Oxygen Concentrators Work
POCs work by using a compressor, filters and tubing to deliver purified oxygen to your nose or mouth through a nasal cannula. The two types of POCs are pulse dose and continuous flow.
Pulse dose POCs deliver oxygen only when you inhale, which saves battery life and makes them lighter and quieter. However, they may not be suitable for people who breathe through their mouth or have very low blood oxygen levels.
Continuous flow POCs deliver a constant stream of oxygen, regardless of your breathing pattern, which may be more comfortable and effective for some people. However, they are heavier, louder, and use more power than pulse dose POCs.
Some POCs have both pulse dose and continuous flow modes, which allow you to switch between them depending on your needs and preferences.
How to Choose a Good Portable Oxygen Concentrator
If you need a POC, there are many factors that you need to consider before committing to one device. Here are some of the things you should check:
Equipment flow rate:
This is the amount of oxygen that the POC can deliver per minute. It can be measured in liters per minute (LPM) or milliliters per minute (mL/min). The flow rate you need will depend on your doctor’s prescription and your activity. You should always aim to get a POC that offers a flow rate higher than your needs.
Battery life:
If you’re an active person who spends a lot of time outdoors, you’re going to need a POC with a longer battery life. However, if the only times you’re going to use your POC out of your home is when running quick errands, you could go for a device with a shorter battery life.
Oxygen delivery modes:
As we’ve mentioned, there are two main modes: continuous flow and pulse dose. Pulse dose is a more power efficient mode that is only triggered when you exhale. However, the continuous flow mode is more suited for people who have higher oxygen needs.
Weight and size:
Some POCs are lighter and smaller than others, sometimes at the expense of battery life, and some come with carrying cases or carts to make them easier to transport. Pick one that’s light enough for you to carry around for extended periods of time.
Noise level:
If you use your POC while sleeping and when doing activities that need your full focus, the lower the noise level the better!
Oxygen purity level:
Most POCs have an oxygen purity level that ranges from 87% to 99%. The purity level that you need will depend on your specific health condition. You should ask your doctor what’s the ideal level for you.
Ease of use and maintenance:
When picking a POC, look for one that’s easy to use and doesn’t need a lot of maintenance. Choose a device that fits well into your daily life, making things simple and requiring minimal effort to keep it running smoothly.
Choosing a good POC can be challenging, but also rewarding when you make the right decision. Make sure to compare different models and brands, and to get advice from experts before you make a final decision.
What’s the Difference Between a Home Oxygen Concentrator and a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
If you need supplemental oxygen therapy, you may have heard of two types of devices that can deliver concentrated oxygen to you: home oxygen concentrators and portable oxygen concentrators. There are many differences between them that makes them ideal for different target audiences. These differences are:
Size
One of the most obvious differences between home and portable oxygen concentrators is their size. Home oxygen concentrators are larger and heavier than portable ones, because they have bigger systems that can produce higher amounts of oxygen.
Home oxygen concentrators are usually placed in one room and have wheels to move them around if needed. They aren’t designed to be taken outside of your home or office, while portable oxygen concentrators are designed to be carried around and be used everywhere you go.
Weight
Home oxygen concentrators can weigh anywhere from 30 to 60 lbs, while portable oxygen concentrators can weigh as little as 2 lbs or as much as 20 lbs, depending on the model and battery life.
Oxygen Output
Home oxygen concentrators can provide a continuous flow of oxygen at rates up to 10 LPM, and they are suitable for people who need very high oxygen levels, or those who use other devices such as CPAP or BiPAP machines.
On the other hand, portable oxygen concentrators can provide oxygen at rates up to 5 LPM, making them more suitable for people who need low to moderate levels or supplemental oxygen.
Power Choices
Home oxygen concentrators need to be plugged into an electrical outlet to work, while portable oxygen concentrators can run on batteries, or while plugged in directly to a power source.
Some home oxygen concentrators models do have backup batteries that can be used in case of power outages, but they’re not meant to run on batteries for long periods of time.
Price
Home oxygen concentrators are generally cheaper than portable ones, because they have simpler designs and lower maintenance costs. Since portable oxygen concentrators have more complex designs and have technology that allows them to be used in high altitudes, they tend to be substantially more expensive.
Which One Is Right for You?
The choice between a home or a portable oxygen concentrator depends on your individual needs and preferences. You should consider your lifestyle, activity level and travel plans, as well as your supplemental oxygen needs.
If you need high levels of oxygen or your priorities are affordability and simplicity, a home oxygen concentrator may be a better option for you. If you only need low to moderate levels of oxygen or your priorities are mobility and flexibility, a portable oxygen concentrator may be the best choice for you. The best type of oxygen concentrator is the one that meets your medical and personal needs.
Benefits of Using a Portable Oxygen Concentrator
There are many benefits for those using a POC, especially seniors and people with chronic and acute breathing problems. Some of these benefits are:
Provide Oxygen Therapy for Seniors
As we age, our lungs may not function as well as they used to. Seniors are more likely to suffer from chronic lung diseases that cause shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain and low oxygen levels.
Oxygen therapy can help improve the symptoms and quality of life of seniors with lung diseases. It can also decrease the risk of complications derived from these conditions, such as heart failure, pulmonary artery hypertension, and cognitive impairment.
POCs are ideal for seniors who need oxygen therapy, because they are portable, lightweight and easy to use. They allow seniors to maintain their independence and mobility while receiving oxygen therapy at home and on the go.
Helps with Breathing Problems
Some common causes of breathing problems are allergies, infections, anxiety, obesity, smoking, and exposure to air pollution. These issues can interfere with your daily activities and affect your mental and physical health.
Oxygen therapy can help relieve breathing problems by increasing your blood oxygen levels. This can improve lung functions, reduce inflammation and enhance energy levels.
COVID-19 recovery
COVID-19 can cause mild to severe symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, loss of taste or smell and difficulty breathing. In some cases, COVID-19 can lead to pneumonia, acute respiratory distress, organ failure, and death.
Oxygen therapy is one of the main treatments for COVID-19 patients who have low oxygen levels or difficulty breathing. It can help with oxygenation, reduce the work the patient needs to do to breathe properly, and prevent further lung damage.
POCs are beneficial for COVID-19 patients who are recovering at home or in isolation facilities. They can provide continuous or intermittent oxygen therapy without requiring hospitalization or specialized equipment.
Blood Oxygen Levels
Normal blood oxygen levels range from 95% to 100%. Low blood oxygen levels, or hypoxemia, can be caused by several factors, such as lung disease, heart disease, anemia, sleep apnea, high altitudes, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Hypoxemia can have serious consequences, such as tissue damage, brain damage, and death. Oxygen therapy can help increase blood oxygen levels and keep them at a stable level.
Some POCs have built-in pulse oximeters that display your blood oxygen levels on a screen, and alert the users if their blood oxygen level drops below a certain threshold.
FAQs
Do You Need a Prescription for a Portable Oxygen Concentrator?
The answer is yes. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA), oxygen concentrators are considered a Class II Medical Device. This means that you must have a valid prescription from a board-certified doctor in order to purchase one.
How Much Does a Portable Oxygen Concentrator Cost?
The price of a POC ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, but Medicare and private insurances may cover part of the cost. Also, you can often find deals on portable oxygen concentrators at Sleeplay.
Does Insurance Cover Portable Oxygen Concentrators?
POCs are considered durable medical equipment (DME) by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance plans. If you have original Medicare, Part B will cover the costs of the oxygen equipment and accessories prescribed by your doctor for home use.
Can I Use My Portable Oxygen Concentrator When I Fly?
Most POCs are FAA-approved for in-flight use. However, most airlines require you to let them know in advance and to submit a doctor’s report to verify that you need to use the POC on the plane. Always make sure to check your airline’s policies before traveling with your POC.
SimplyGo Mini vs Inogen One G4
The SimplyGo Mini and the Inogen One G4 are some of the most popular POC models on the market. If you’re trying to decide between these two models, here’s a short comparison:
- - Size and weight: The SimplyGo Mini is slightly larger and heavier than the Inogen G4.
- - Oxygen output: The SimplyGO Mini can deliver up to 1,000 mL/min, while the Inogen G4 can deliver up to 630 mL/min. Both devices have a purity range of 87% to 96%.
- - Battery life: The SimplyGo Mini has two battery options: a standard battery that lasts up to four and a half hours and an extended battery that lasts up to nine hours. The Inogen G4 also has two battery options: a single battery that lasts up to 2.7 hours and a double battery that lasts up to five hours.
- - Noise Level: Both devices are relatively quiet and discreet, with the SimplyGo Mini having a noise level of 43 dBa, and the Inogen G4 having a noise level of 40 dBa.
- - User interface: The SimplyGo Mini has a touchscreen LCD display that shows battery status, oxygen settings and alarms. The Inogen G4 has a simple push-button interface and shows its battery status, oxygen settings and alarms on an LED display.
Before deciding which POC is right for you, we recommend you visit your doctor to discuss what needs you should be prioritizing, and what model could be the best one for you.
Need to travel and don't know what to do with your oxygen therapy? At Sleeplay, we have the best selection of portable oxygen concentrators to help you out.
